JI Core 50 Professional Monitors PR The Enoshima Island Spa

by Mark Garrity

I love Japanese traditional onsen hot springs and have tried to visit as many as possible during the various times I have lived in Japan, but I never had a chance to visit a spa in Japan. Frankly I am not much of a spa person; as a man in the United States, going to the spa was not a common experience. But I do love a good massage; I love good food, and as Ive already mentioned, I love hot springs. So when I visited the Enoshima Island Spa, which has all of those great things and more, I was in heaven.

Enoshima Island Spa is located, as the name suggests, on Enoshima Island near Kamakura. It was surprisingly easy to get there from Tokyo via either JR or Odakyu. The setting is spectacular, overlooking Sagami Bay, with an unobstructed view of Mount Fuji. The multilevel design of the spa ensures privacy for the onsen area and fantastic views on each floor. The staff is very welcoming and many speak English, so it made for a very relaxing experience.

There is a traditional onsen with separate areas for men and women, with a several different baths varying in temperature and style, as well as a sauna. The baths are spacious and there are plenty of washing stations.

The pool area includes two levels of indoor and outdoor baths that are open to both men and women together (swimsuit required). The pools are oriented to maximize views of the sea and Mount Fuji. The lower level includes a waterfall and a cave pool that is very romantic and made me wish I had brought a date. In fact, most of the people there appeared to be couples enjoying a beautiful Sunday together. And the water temperature of the various pools was perfect for the weather. I could have stayed there for hours.

The Island Grill restaurant is located on the top floor, and the seating is cleverly designed to maximize the views of the water and Mount Fuji in the distance. It has a nice selection of Italian and island-inspired seafood dishes. I opted for the Siciliana pasta and a side dish of steamed clams and mussels. Delicious!

I also went for a treatment at the Beng Teng Spa that included a foot cleanse and massage. The atmosphere was relaxing and the therapist was very skilled. She even spoke English! The treatments include nice touches such as a choice of teas before and after, aromatic oils and relaxing music. Even though, as I said, I am not really a spa person, I could certainly get used to that!

With the perfect combination of a traditional Japanese onsen, outdoor pools overlooking the sea and Mount Fuji, a relaxing massage, and delicious food, my experience at the Enoshima Island Spa was the perfect day trip from Tokyo. I am looking forward to going back again soon!

Excerpt from:

Enoshima Island Spa: a Spa for Everyone - Japan Today